Rafael Nadal retirement after Miami Open 2017 loss very possible

Rumors and speculations regarding a Rafael Nadal retirement after his loss to Roger Federer in the Miami Open 2017 final are making its rounds. The Spaniard lost to his long-time rival 6-3, 6-4 in a match which was closer than the score.

The 30-year-old laid all the Rafael Nadal retirement plans to rest on Saturday night. The man from Manacor, Spain revealed of his desire to push for the 15th major title. Nadal failed to achieve it in the Australian Open 2017, where he lost to Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 after a three hour and 38-minute battle. The Swiss claimed his 18th major title after defeating the Spaniard in Melbourne.

Nadal will join French Open 2017

Nadal signaled his intention to claim another major title at the French Open this year. The 6-ft-1 tennis superstar revealed that he will participate on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

The Spaniard presently has 14 major titles to his name. This includes the likes of nine French Open wins, two at both US Open and Wimbledon and one Australian Open, according to Stuff.co.nz.

“(It) can happen here in this surface, but especially (it) can happen on clay. If I am able to play like this … I think I can keep having success on hard courts, but on clay (it) can be special. The only goal for me is keep going,” Nadal said after his loss to Federer in the Australian Open 2017 final.

“Of course, winning an event like this is so important. For me, if I won this one, it would be amazing. But … what makes me happier, more than the titles, is go on the court and feel that I can enjoy the sport.”

Nadal, who ranks third in all-time career earnings has been plagued with injuries in recent years. The knee and wrist complaints have forced him to the sidelines and have halted his career progress.

Federer to take two-month break before French Open

Roger Federer is playing some of the best tennis of his career as a 35-year-old. The Swiss maestro beat Nadal for the third time this year on Saturday and became the oldest men’s champion in the 33-year history of the Miami Open.

Federer is currently the first three-time champion this year on the men’s tour. The father of four has an exhibition scheduled next week, but he will skip the majority of the clay season before returning to the French Open in late May. This will give the Swiss a two-month break.

“I want to stay healthy. When I’m healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this. If I’m not feeling this good, there’s no chance I’ll be in finals competing with Rafa,” Federer said, as reported by ESPN.

Federer will look to win his 19th major title at the French Open 2017.